The attached Welding Safety Bulletin from our friends Down-Under highlights a concern that person in construction may not be aware of. During heavy construction projects I have personally been shocked (tingling to jolts) during scaffold inspections where multiple Arc Welding was taking place on the metal scaffold (tube and coupler and framed scaffolds). Other crafts were working on the same scaffolding and have occassionally complainted of nuisance shock events. Investigation into these events revealed poor welding practices by welders which involved improper work piece connections, stray current from adjaced welding, broken electrode holders, worn/damaged cable, accidental stinger contact with metal. Such practices were corrected on the short term but welding protocols are often repeated during the rigors of construction especially on "hard-money" projects.
The bulletin below gives caution on use of a bonding straps where the strap is properly connected to the metal scaffold and to the structure being welded. I have not seen this in practice on the many projects I have been assigned.
I have attempte to address this subject with welding machine manufactures/welding organizations with no or little clarity on validity or specifics.
Question to Electrical Professionals:
Are bonding precautions, detailed in the bulletin, a required safety precaution againt electrical incidents to those working/occupying the scaffold? If so where is the precaution clearly specified in industry standards? I have searched many standards but clear and specific precautions on this subject are not detailed. OSHA has, however, specified bonding straps when welding from wire rope suspened scaffolding along with other precautions to prevent stray current from passing through the wire rope.
Comments from electrical professionas will be appreciated.
The bulletin below gives caution on use of a bonding straps where the strap is properly connected to the metal scaffold and to the structure being welded. I have not seen this in practice on the many projects I have been assigned.
I have attempte to address this subject with welding machine manufactures/welding organizations with no or little clarity on validity or specifics.
Question to Electrical Professionals:
Are bonding precautions, detailed in the bulletin, a required safety precaution againt electrical incidents to those working/occupying the scaffold? If so where is the precaution clearly specified in industry standards? I have searched many standards but clear and specific precautions on this subject are not detailed. OSHA has, however, specified bonding straps when welding from wire rope suspened scaffolding along with other precautions to prevent stray current from passing through the wire rope.
Comments from electrical professionas will be appreciated.
